Throw an Unforgettable BBQ Party

July is the month when summer gets into full swing. What better way to celebrate the gorgeous weather and fun with friends than with a BBQ party? Maybe you’re preparing your annual bash with lots of guests, or having just a few friends over. Either way, fire up the grill and get ready to make some memories with these summer party tips.

How to Plan for Your BBQ Party

Sure, some get-togethers spontaneously happen at the last minute. But for a stress-free gathering where you can really enjoy yourself and not just host, planning ahead is key. What kind of things should you keep in mind? Here’s a great list to get started.

• Make a timeline – If you’re planning a couple to a few weeks out, you’ll get the most people you can on your invite list. Remember how quickly the weekends fill up in the summertime. If you’re thinking a week or so out, a smaller gathering makes sense. Looking at the calendar will give you a realistic idea of how elaborate or simple to plan your menu and other details.
• Plan your menu – When done ahead of time, this can be a lot of fun. Make a list of your must-have items that you and your family love. Go through recipes for tried and true favorites, then spend a little time with the web. Remember, you don’t want to stress yourself out. Trying a new elaborate dish is exciting, but definitely Google simple and easy dishes too. Read reviews to find out what you’re getting yourself into! Finally, stand back and take an objective look at your menu. Do you have a nice balance of various dishes, or are you heavy in one area like meat or fruit? Try some of our suggestions below to get you started.
• Think drinks – Again, consider old fav s verses new and exotic. Consider how many people will attend and how well you know them. If you have a handful of microbrew aficionados, you know what to do. But your crowd might be larger and you ’re less sure what they drink. Then, offer a selection of non-alcoholic options (not just bottled water…) and fruity summer mixes to pair with seltzer and sodas.

A Memorable Menu

Ahh, the heart of any BBQ party is a delicious menu that will satisfy all the tastebuds. Can you get by with hot dogs and burgers? Sure, but this article is about throwing an unforgettable BBQ party.

Here’s an example of an easy BBQ menu:

• appetizer/snack
• main protein
• veggie-based side
• starchy side
• dessert
• special drink

Depending on your amount of people, adjust the suggestions above. For example, you might like two main proteins or ask a friend to bring another appetizer for variety. And two desserts are always better than one. Here are some of our favorite dishes to get you thinking.

Best BBQ Main Dishes – From Apple Butter BBQ Roasted Chicken to Kansas City-style ribs, your mouth will water after reading these choices. Another way to spice up your meat is to experiment with DIY herb rubs and blends. They also make great hostess gifts.

Burger Central – You really can’t go wrong with burgers. But you can make them even more interesting by learning about different flavors and ingredients to try.

Sides-a-Plenty – The best side dishes will complement your main course without stealing its thunder. These recipes will add color and flavor to the table. They’re also great to take along to parties and to wrap up to send home as leftovers.  

Desserts for All – Here are some great options to feed desserts to a crowd. You can go the frozen treat route or yummy make-ahead options in the brownie category. Either way, you’ll make your guests very happy.

Big Batch Cocktails – Choose a signature drink to serve at your BBQ party. One of these creative concoctions along with a variety of summer wines and beers makes the perfect mix. Plus, experimenting with recipes allows you to make your own signature drink your friends will request year after year.

The Perfect Outdoor Setup

Maybe you have a small patio or a great big deck. Still, you might be wondering how to set things up or arrange chairs. Will you do a sit-down dinner or a buffet? Take a look at some resources for setup.

• Waterproof furniture – Gone are the days of plastic-covered cushions over heavy wrought iron frames. Today’s outdoor furniture is stylish, light and you might even be tempted to bring it indoors in the fall.
• Entertaining in small spaces – Lots of people have a smaller space for entertaining than they dream of. No cause for concern! Make the most of what you have with this creative resource for outdoor areas.
• Dazzling outdoor decor – Get inspired with these stylish BBQ themed ideas. Think outside the red-checkered tablecloth and even use reclaimed pieces to help decorate. It will help your guests feel right at home.

Ingredients for the Best Bash

You’re bound to have a great time with these tips for your BBQ party. Summer’s weather and beauty do half the work, after all. Remember to have fun planning and don’t get stressed. If you do find yourself running around too much beforehand, delegate. Your friends and family will love to bring a dish, some music or an outdoor game or two. Finally, grab some bug repellent, tiki torches and don’t forget to take photos.